Mike Tomlin makes major career decision amid questions about possible return to coaching

Once it was reported this past March that former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had secured representation to explore broadcasting and other media-related opportunities, it seemed clear that he wouldn't be taking a year off after he stepped away from the Steelers this past January. 

It's now known that Tomlin has found a new football home ahead of this year's draft. 

Mike Tomlin makes choice for first step of broadcasting career

On Tuesday, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic revealed that Tomlin will be part of NBC's "Football Night in America" program that precedes "Sunday Night Football" games this fall. A report from January claimed that Fox was "considered the favorite" to land Tomlin's services, but that was said before it was learned that Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy would no longer be part of "Football Night in America." 

Also this offseason, retired quarterback Matt Ryan left CBS to become the Atlanta Falcons' president of football. It's unclear if Tomlin seriously considered joining Fox or CBS before he agreed to become a top studio analyst with NBC. 

More changes coming to "Football Night in America"/"Sunday Night Football" after Mike Tomlin move?

"Fox showed some interest in Tomlin, but NBC had the biggest need for his services," Marchand added. "The network is reimagining its pregame shows. ...The roles of Rodney Harrison, Jac Collinsworth and Chris Simms are also in question as the network is attempting to have more current star power and fewer people on the show."

According to Marchand, host Maria Taylor, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio will be featured on future "Football Night in America" broadcasts alongside Tomlin. Devin McCourty will also be part of the crew if he and NBC can come to terms on a new contract. 

As for a potential return to the sidelines, multiple individuals who are close with Tomlin said earlier this winter that they feel he "wants to be done" coaching. If that's truly the case, the 54-year-old could follow in the footsteps of  Hall of Fame head coach and NFL legend John Madden.

"Tomlin could conceivably return to coaching," Marchand was sure to note. That return won't happen before 2027 at the earliest, as fans will first get to enjoy the coach's many "Tomlinisms" during prime-time broadcasts later this year.